CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Ohio Department Of Rehabilitation and Correction Director Annette Chambers-Smith announced Wednesday that a correction officer was killed while working at an Ohio prison on Christmas morning.

“It is with great sadness that I confirm the tragic death of Correction Officer Andrew Lansing following an inmate assault that occurred at Ross Correctional Institution this morning,” she said in a released statement.

“Officer Lansing is a long-time, well-respected employee at Ross, and his untimely death – on Christmas Day – is heartbreaking for his family, the entire Ross Correctional Institution family, and our agency as a whole. Officer Lansing was loved by his colleagues and known to be a great support for his fellow RCI staff. He was a friendly, outgoing officer who treated everyone with respect and was always a professional.

“The loss of a staff person is difficult, but to lose a family member on Christmas Day at the hands of someone in our custody is a tragedy beyond comprehension,” she continued. “Instead of going home after his shift to be with his family on this holiday, Officer Lansing made the ultimate sacrifice, and our agency will never be the same.

“We ask that you keep Officer Lansing’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers at this devastating and tragic time.

“The Ross Correctional Institution is currently operating under restricted movement, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s investigation is underway,” she added. “The inmate suspect has been transferred to the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility.”